Cairo: Jasour – News Desk
Wheelchair-accessible vans for children with cerebral palsy are often necessary but also costly. Children with special needs should have access to safe transportation for numerous reasons, including medical appointments, therapy, and school. Each state has grants and programs that can potentially help caregivers and families of children with cerebral palsy obtain safe transportation.
A wheelchair-accessible van, also known as a “conversion van” or a “lift van,” is a modified vehicle with a larger interior to allow children or disabled adults in wheelchairs easier access to the vehicle and plenty of room while traveling. The van’s flooring is lowered to make wheelchair entry more accessible. Seats are also modified to accommodate wheelchairs.
Sometimes, seats are completely removed so wheelchairs can be seated instead. This is known as “transfer seating.” Sometimes, the side doors of wheelchair-accessible vans are configured to include a ramp for a wheelchair to enter the vehicle from the side. Some vans have a rear entry for wheelchairs, which is more accessible than a side entry because no extra room modification is required. Maintenance is said to be easier for rear-entry vans.
Ramps on wheelchair-accessible vans are either motorized or manual. The ramps typically come in two styles, which include fold-up or in-floor. Fold-up ramps are stowed in the upright position close to the van’s entry (side or rear). Fold-up ramps are ideal for wheelchairs because of their strength and durability. In-floor ramps are stowed on the floor of the van. This creates extra room within the van and helps to keep the interior less cluttered. What Is the Best Vehicle for a Special Needs Child? A child with a wheelchair needs a vehicle big enough to accommodate them. A van is a common choice, but many families prefer a slightly smaller minivan, which is easier to maneuver.
Compared to an SUV, a van or minivan has a lower floor for easier access. Even so, the vehicle likely will need adaptations to be fully functional for a child with a wheelchair.
